Dragon*Con 2010 was indeed a monster and we've got more proof. Here are some interviews we did from our table with artists, Jim Keefe and John Picacio.

You'll know Jim Keefe's name from his work in newspaper strips on characters like Blondie, Beetle Bailey, Hagar the Horrible and of course, Flash Gordon. He's a graduate of the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art (a Kubie!) and he himself has guest lectured at schools like MCAD and SVA.

Jim was our neighbor at Dragon*Con and was a hoot to hang out with. SUPER nice guy, too (he gave us an awesome Flash Gordon sketch—thanks, Jim).

John Picacio and SiDEBAR have been Facebook friends for a minute now, so we're pretty sure that makes us blood related (ha).

John is an award-winning illustrator who has created book covers for virtually every science fiction, fantasy and horror publisher around. He just recently finished a series of images featuring his rendition of Michael Moorcock's classic fantasy character, Elric.

His first ever hardcover artbook, Cover Story, came out in 2006 and his work has also been featured in the hallowed pages of Spectrum as well.

Picacio was set up down at the other end of the auditorium in the Art Show, but he was kind enough to come down to Artist Alley and share a few words with us. He too came bearing gifts (thanks, John).

It went down Sunday afternoon, and it was just that. Legendary.

Our four panelists, Neal, Paul, Tim and Brian were all great and the attendees loved 'em. Lots of stories were told, recollections of the Caped Crusader were made and a ton of belly laughs were had by everyone.

When things jumped off, it was standing room only in 'Hanover F'. By the time it ended, there were people sitting all over the floor. It was nuts.

SiDEBAR wants to thank Dragon*Con for letting us moderate the event (especially Pat Henry and Thom Trainor). We also wanna thank all four guests who sat in on the panel. And a hearty thanks to each and every person who made it their business to come by and hang out.

You all rock!

**This episode is dedicated to the memory of Patricia Basey, mother to our good friend, Mark Stroud A.K.A. MarkCalifornia. May she sleep peacefully...

Swain here. Me and Adrian started chatting after seeing Neal Adams' Batman Odyssey #1 (he saw it, I still haven't) and the idea of free passes came up.

A free pass is when someone, doesn't matter who, gets a pass for what is basically sub par work for them, and you won't call it for what it is. Many a Neal fan were on-line doing just that when Odyssey's preview pages were posted—looking at his current work through Green Lantern/Green Arrow tinted glasses (even though it ain't 1970 anymore).

Don't get me wrong. I give out free passes from time to time myself. I think we all do on some level. But calling something crap doesn't...well...crap all over the great stuff that person did or will do, does it?

Most people who know me know I'm a big music nerd as well as an art nerd. I adore Elton John, Prince, Peter Gabriel and Stevie Wonder. One of my favorite bands to come out in the last 13 years is a Scottish band called Travis.

That said, all the stuff Elton's written for Disney has been utter wackness. Prince—I've not liked much since the symbol album. Peter Gabriel's Up CD was so God awful that I sold it two weeks later (didn't want it in my house and I adore him). Stevie's lowest had to be I Just Called to Say I Love You and Travis' 12 Memories disc gave me amnesia.

I still love them all for their past work, but give 'em a pass for the nonsense they're doing today.

Bringing it back to comics, it doesn't take any of the greatness away from Frank Miller's Dark Knight, Born Again or Batman Year One to say Dark Knight Strikes Again and The Spirit sucked. And they did. 

The conversation between Dwight, Adrian and I also veered off into free passes for comics coming out late as hell, outrageous original art prices, lack of professionalism and common courtesy. We went there.

So many fans will look the other way if it's their favorite guy or gal and act like they're not being mistreated—when they really are. That's bullsh*t.

Listen in and see what you think. Our goal wasn't to dump on folks just for the sake of dumping. It was to encourage us as fans to be more honest. If it's great, hey, let's celebrate it. If it's just okay or bad...let's call it for what it is.

**If you're squeamish or easily pissed off, we must warn you—this audio is disturbing. Names have not been changed to protect the innocent (ha).

Check for the Jack Kirby birthday Easter egg at the very end. That was fun.

And Dwight would like it on the record that he dug Kneel...ummm, Neal's cover for Batman Odyssey #1.